Studies show that a walk through a forest can boost immunity but it doesn’t take a scientific study to convince me of the restorative powers of communing with nature. I’ve never been as drawn to the beach as I am to the forest and mountains. However that early morning marine layer and heady scent of eucalyptus and pepper trees at my father’s home in California can take all my worries away. Does the feel of salty mist across your face at a rocky beach recharge your mind? Perhaps the quiet whoosh of fresh powder across your skies with the occasional squeak of your boots and intermittent hoop hollering of fellow skiers feeds your soul. Whatever the landscape, a meandering walk with fresh air can be just what the body and mind need.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” Henry David Thoreau
Sometimes life throws us a curveball and it’s up to us to look for moments of grace. I am so grateful to live in a region with so much to offer in terms of a reboot. Some of these images were created steps from my back door, some were discovered down the road, some were found up the road and just barely into a trail, some I hunted for down valley on a farm and one was in Bryce Canyon.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” John Muir
I truly believe that nature is a balm that soothes a lot of wounds. Art can also be quite healing, so combining the two must be double the pleasure, right?
“The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don’t pretend to be any stellar landscape photographer. I don’t own a wide angle lens beyond the 35mm and I don’t have the true dedication required by the genre that includes pre dawn wake ups. But I do get so much out of being outside and creating. This small collection of images made me feel good this year after the loss of my mother.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
There is magic healing in the mountains.